Hysteria in Horoscope and its Ayurvedic Remedies

In Indian astrology, hysteria is considered a psychosomatic condition, often triggered by imbalances in both mind and body. While modern science explains it as a psychological disorder, Vedic astrology looks deeper into the planetary influences that may cause it. Hysteria is generally linked to the Moon, which governs emotions and mental stability, and Mercury, which rules the nervous system. Malefic influences on these planets, especially from Rahu, Ketu, or Saturn, can cause heightened emotional sensitivity, erratic behavior, or loss of mental control. Affliction of the 4th house (mind), 5th house (intelligence), and Moon in the birth chart can indicate susceptibility to hysteria-like symptoms.

It is a common form of the emotional reaction in which a patient tends to act out his or her distress in exaggerated and dramatic form. The purpose of hysteria is to attract the attention of the people and gain sympathy. These patients may develop symptoms which have no anatomical or clinical basis. The illness is often precipitated by dramatic events, such as an accident, meeting an unwanted person, separation from the beloved, which the patient considers much worse than what it actually is. Hysterical attacks appear abruptly. The patient becomes excited, noisy and full of complaints, or may remain unduly quiet.

In Ayurveda, this is treated as unmada. This is also called yoshapasmara. Women outnumber men in this particular disease. Often children are affected by this condition.

The symptoms of hysteria are connected with neurotic or emotional factors. However, physically the patient may suffer from hyper-acidity or heart burn, indigestion, or even an ulcer. They may affect the intestines resulting either in acute form of constipation, or severe diarrhoea, depending upon the response to emotionally charged situation. It may take the form of colitis with the acute ulceration of the intestinal valve. No organ of the body is immune to the psycho-somatic symptoms or diseases and they may manifest themselves in the form of an allergy, skin eruption or other types of organic and physical illness.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Hysteria: Sarpagandha, brahmi, vacba and Shankhapushpi are the drugs of choice for the treatment of this disease. They correct both the body and the mind of the individual. All these drugs are made into a powder and mixed in equal quantities. The patient should take it in a dose of one gm. three times a day, mixed with a cup of milk. These patients usually suffer from sleeplessness or disturbed sleep which is corrected by these medicines. Use of ashvagandha gives considerable relief to these patients. A preparation of this drug is known as Ashvagandharishta. Six teaspoonfuls of this liquid medicine is given to the patients after food, twice daily, mixed with equal quantity of water.

The above mentioned therapy is to be given to all types of hysterical patients. The other symptoms from which these patients suffer automatically subside, when there is improvement in their neurotic and emotional conditions. Drugs containing cannabis are often used for the treatment of hysteria. For those suffering from chronic colitis, jatiphaladi churna is considered to be very useful. One teaspoonful of this powder is to be given to the patient, three times a day, mixed with a cup of buttermilk. This promotes the tranquility of his mind and relieves him of his colitis.

Diet to taken by Hysteria patients: Hot and spicy food should be avoided. Fried things and pulses are not good for patients. Almond and almond oil are good for these patients. A patient should be given almond oil in a dose of one teaspoonful, mixed with a cup of milk at bedtime. It strengthens the nervous system. Mangoes, oranges, apples, peaches and bananas are useful in this condition.

Other regimens: The cause for the emotional upset of the patient should be located, and efforts should be made to make him free from it. The hysteria patient should be loved and taken care of. He should not be teased, and as far as possible, there should be no mention about the disease before the patient. He should be permitted to have full night's sleep. Walk in the early morning considerably helps the patient to develop his will power which is essential to overcome this disease.

Astrological Causes of Hysteria

Weak or afflicted Moon, especially in watery signs.
Malefic influence on Moon and Mercury.
Conjunction or aspect of Rahu with Moon (Chandra-Rahu Grahan Yoga).
Weak Lagna and its lord.
Severe imbalance in the 4th house (mental peace) or 8th house (chronic ailments).
Astrologers recommend strengthening the Moon and Mercury through gemstones, mantras, and charity to bring emotional stability.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Hysteria

Ayurveda views hysteria as an imbalance of Vata dosha affecting the nervous system. Remedies aim at calming the mind, improving nerve function, and restoring doshic harmony.

1. Herbal Remedies
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Enhances memory, reduces stress, and stabilizes emotions.
Ashwagandha: Strengthens the nervous system and reduces anxiety.
Jatamansi: Calms the mind and improves sleep.
Shankhpushpi: Boosts concentration and soothes the nerves.
2. Diet & Lifestyle
Follow a Vata-pacifying diet: warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods.
Avoid stimulants like coffee and excessive sugar.
Include milk with turmeric and ghee for brain nourishment.
3. Yoga & Meditation
Pranayama (deep breathing) to calm the mind.
Shavasana and Yoga Nidra for mental relaxation.
4. Mantra Therapy
Chanting "Om Chandraya Namah" or Moon beej mantra daily helps in balancing emotions and calming the mind.